Water quality monitoring reveals the health of rivers, lakes, coasts and groundwater. It comprises repeated (with defined parameters and frequency) analysis of water quality, through sampling at field sites, analysis in the laboratory, and data interpretation. The EU Water Framework Directive relies firstly on ecological monitoring investigating the actual status of indicator species in each local water body (biological and hydromorphological monitoring). The results of water monitoring are also incorporated into River Basin Management Plans to inform on the current status of all surface and groundwater (intact or deteriorated) and on the effect of measures implemented for its rehabilitation.
In Azerbaijan, water monitoring mainly verifies physico-chemical parameters (to detect nutrients and pollutants from agriculture, urban wastewater and diverse industries). Additional surveys and trainings are planned.
The EU4Environment Water and Data programme supports additional surveys, tarining and capacity building to improve the monitoring of coastal and transitional, surface, and groundwater. The water laboratory (AZELAB) will be further supported to achieve its accreditation.
